News
13 March 2018

EFSA confirms the beneficial health effect of sports nutrition on sport people

SNE, representing manufacturers of sports nutrition, welcomes the EFSA positive opinion following SNE health claim application. Today’s published scientific assessment confirms the well-established beneficial health effects of glycaemic carbohydrates on the improvement of physical performance during a high-intensity and long-lasting physical exercise.

SNE President Professor Udo Herz states: “SNE is pleased that today, EFSA confirms – once again – the beneficial health effects of sports nutrition for sportspeople. During intense physical activity, sportspeople are prone to nutritional deficiencies, including a depletion of the body’s carbohydrate reserves, causing fatigue during exercise. Sports nutrition has a crucial role in maintaining the appropriate supply of nutrients during intense physical performance. Health claims are essential tools helping sportspeople to identify the foods specially formulated to respond to their particular nutritional needs”.

Through this EFSA positive assessment, EU risk assessors confirm once again, the well-established beneficial health effectsof sports nutrition – and in the present case, glycaemic carbohydrates – in improving physical performance.

SNE considers this opinion as a stepping stone towards the adaptation of the General (EU) Food Law for sports food, which should ensure its safe use, and the provision of appropriate information for sportspeople.

A few months ago, SNE, alongside EU Specialty Food Ingredients, the European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO) and Food Supplements Europe, signed a callreiterating the need to establish specific provisions for sports food at EU level. However, so far, no measures have been taken.

SNE hopes that this EFSA positive opinion will re-open the debate at EU level on the need to adapt the General EU Food Law for sports food, and calls upon EU decision-makers to work towards the European harmonization of specific provisions governing sports food.

For more information:

Aurélie Perrichet, SNE Executive Director ()


 

Notes to editors:

  • Specialised Nutrition Europe (SNE) is the trade association representing the interests of the specialised nutrition industry across the European Union. SNE members are the national associations of 18 Member States and their members are the companies producing tailor made dietary solutions for populations with very specific nutritional needs including sportspeople.